Service dog training is an extensive process. The initial training can take up to two years, with refresher and ongoing training throughout the dog’s life. Training begins when dogs are still puppies. Prospective service dogs must pass basic training courses before transitioning into service training. Not all dogs are up to the task. When a dog like German shepherd Ryker fails service dog training, the results can be hilarious.
Ryker was in a training program at the Double H Canine Training Academy. After failing his training spectacularly, he has become an exceptional mascot dog for the academy. This dog is easily distracted, but he has fun and is still living his best life. He failed his wheelchair training.
Walker training was also unsuccessful, as the balls on the walker proved too hard to resist.
Despite his failures in service tasks, he makes an awesome Elf on the Shelf and is the star of several short holiday videos. Ryker has starred as Max alongside the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. He starred as Scooby Doo in a sheety Halloween production alongside Shaggy. He became an epic Superbowl star pitted against an overzealous referee. As you can see, Ryker did flunk out of service dog training, but he seems to have discovered his niche.
Service Dog Training Encompasses Many Areas
There are several service areas for dogs: leader dogs for the blind, medical assistance alert dogs for seizure disorders and other health conditions, and therapy dogs for psychological disorders. Having a service dog allows people with disabilities to lead independent lives. They are defined and protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Service dogs are trained to complete tasks or take actions based on their handler’s disability. For example, a person with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) might have a dog that can help with tasks around the house. Leader dogs for the blind are the most well-known type of service animal. They can help sightless people navigate life, keeping them safe from dangers like traffic. Hearing dogs become the “ears” of their handler, alerting them to sounds such as sirens and alarms.
We visited another dog who failed police dog training. He might not have been good at police work, but he went on to lead the field as a search and rescue dog.
It is important to respect a service dog while they are on duty. Do not approach dogs wearing vests and harnesses without permission from their handler. If you have children, please teach them to behave around service animals so they don’t distract the animal from its duties.
